[서화목] Commencement of the process of withdrawing from the Aviation Liberalization Treaty

Russia said it has begun the process of withdrawing from the Open Skies Treaty, which allows free aerial reconnaissance of more than 30 member countries' territories. The final withdrawal of Russia following the U.S. is expected to significantly reduce the function of the treaty.

According to Reuters on the 15th (local time), Russia's Foreign Ministry said in a statement, "On November 22 last year, the U.S. withdrew from the aviation liberalization treaty under the pretext of deterrence." As a result, the balance of interest achieved by the participating countries was severely damaged, the effectiveness of the treaty was severely damaged, and the role of the treaty as a tool for strengthening trust and security was undermined."

"Russia has come up with specific proposals that meet its basic provisions to maintain the effectiveness of the treaty under new conditions, but unfortunately, it has not gained the support of its U.S. allies," he said.

"With no progress in eliminating obstacles to continue the treaty function under new conditions, the Foreign Ministry has been delegated to declare the opening of internal procedures related to Russia's withdrawal from the treaty," the Foreign Ministry said.

The aviation liberalization treaty, signed in 1992 by the United States, Russia, and European countries, calls for allowing free unarmed aerial reconnaissance between member states to ensure international monitoring and transparency of their military capabilities and military activities.

Thirty-four countries were members, but they have been operated as 33 countries due to the withdrawal of the U.S. in November last year. The U.S. Department of State issued a statement on November 23 last year, saying it had previously announced on May 22 that the U.S. would withdraw from the aviation liberalization treaty in six months. "The U.S. withdrawal took effect on November 22, and the U.S. is no longer a member."

President Donald Trump explained the reason for his withdrawal in May last year, saying, "Russia did not follow the treaty and we will be out until they do." It is feared that the treaty will become virtually nominal if Russia withdraws from the U.S., a key country in the aviation liberalization treaty.